Patents Assigned to Pulmonx Corporation
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Publication number: 20140142455Abstract: Minimally invasive methods, systems and devices are provided for assessing collateral ventilation in the lungs. In particular, collateral ventilation of a target compartment within a lung of a patient is assessed by advancement of a catheter through the tracheobronchial tree to a feeding airway of the target compartment. The feeding airway is occluded by the catheter and the opening and closing of a one-way valve coupled with the catheter is observed. If the valve ceases opening and closing over time, this may indicate that significant collateral ventilation into the target compartment is absent. If the valve continues to open and close over time, significant collateral ventilation into the compartment may be present. Based on the collateral ventilation assessment, a treatment plan may be generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Lutz Freitag, Nikolai Aljuri
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Publication number: 20140107396Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a treatment region in the body are disclosed. By determining a treatment region in the body, reducing the volume of the treatment region to create a target region by using one or more flow control elements and delivering at least one therapeutic agent to the target region, improved treatment may be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: PulmonX CorporationInventor: Lutz Freitag
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Publication number: 20140081308Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for performing lung volume reduction in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other conditions where isolation of a lung segment or reduction of lung volume is desired. The methods are minimally invasive with instruments being introduced through the mouth (endotracheally) and rely on isolating the target lung tissue segment from other regions of the lung and occluding various lung passageways with the use of occlusal stents. The occlusal stents are delivered with the use of an occlusal stent delivery system which is loaded with the occlusal stent with the use of an occlusal stent loading system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Anthony Wondka, Peter P. Soltesz, Robert Kotmel, Nadia Matov, Thomas Crowder
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Publication number: 20140058433Abstract: Methods and devices are adapted for regulating fluid flow to and from a region of a patient's lung, such as to achieve a desired fluid flow dynamic to a lung region during respiration and/or to induce collapse in one or more lung regions. Pursuant to an exemplary procedure, an identified region of the lung is targeted for treatment. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to regulate airflow into and/or out of the targeted lung region through one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the targeted lung region.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Michael Barrett, Antony J. Fields, Michael J. Hendricksen, Ronald R. Hundertmark, John G. McCutcheon, Alan R. Rapacki, Michael Regan, Steve Wallace
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Publication number: 20140018605Abstract: Medical methods and systems are provided for effecting lung volume reduction by selectively ablating segments of lung tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Peter P. Soltesz, Nikolai Aljuri, Ajit Nair
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Publication number: 20130317293Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for accessing a lung region are provided. The system includes a delivery catheter having a proximal section, a distal section, and a body disposed in-between, wherein the distal region comprises at least one curved section; and a bronchoscope having a proximal section, a distal section, and a body disposed in-between, wherein the bronchoscope is configured to receive the delivery catheter; wherein the delivery catheter is configured to affect a curvature of the distal section of the bronchoscope when the distal section of the delivery catheter is advanced at least partially through the distal end of the bronchoscope.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: PulmonX CorporationInventors: Ryan Olivera, Hoang NGUYEN
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Patent number: 8568403Abstract: Medical methods and systems are provided for effecting lung volume reduction by selectively ablating segments of lung tissue.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Peter P. Soltesz, Nikolai Aljuri, Ajit Nair
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Publication number: 20130245484Abstract: Minimally invasive methods, systems and devices are provided for qualitatively and quantitatively assessing collateral ventilation in the lungs. In particular, collateral ventilation of a target compartment within a lung of a patient is assessed by advancement of a catheter through the tracheobronchial tree to a feeding bronchus of the target compartment. The feeding bronchus is occluded by the catheter and a variety of measurements are taken with the use of the catheter in a manner which is of low risk to the patient. Examples of such measurements include but are not limited to flow rate, volume and pressure. These measurements are used to determine the presence of collateral ventilation and to quantify such collateral ventilation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Nikolai Aljuri, Anthony Wondka, George Surjan, Kirk Davis, Peter Soltesz, Rodney C. Perkins
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Patent number: 8523782Abstract: Minimally invasive methods, systems and devices are provided for assessing collateral ventilation in the lungs. In particular, collateral ventilation of a target compartment within a lung of a patient is assessed by advancement of a catheter through the tracheobronchial tree to a feeding airway of the target compartment. The feeding airway is occluded by the catheter and the opening and closing of a one-way valve coupled with the catheter is observed. If the valve ceases opening and closing over time, this may indicate that significant collateral ventilation into the target compartment is absent. If the valve continues to open and close over time, significant collateral ventilation into the compartment may be present. Based on the collateral ventilation assessment, a treatment plan may be generated.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Lutz Freitag, Nikolai Aljuri
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Patent number: 8496006Abstract: The volume of a hyperinflated lung compartment is reduced by sealing a distal end of the catheter in an airway feeding the lung compartment. Air passes out of the lung compartment through a passage in the catheter while the patient exhales. A one-way flow element associated with the catheter prevents air from re-entering the lung compartment as the patient inhales. Over time, the pressure of regions surrounding the lung compartment cause it to collapse as the volume of air diminishes. Residual volume reduction effectively results in functional lung volume expansion. Optionally, the lung compartment may be sealed in order to permanently prevent air from re-entering the lung compartment.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Nikolai Aljuri, Rodney C. Perkins, Niyazi Beyhan
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Patent number: 8474460Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for regulating fluid flow to and from a region of a patient's lung, such as to achieve a desired fluid flow dynamic to a lung region during respiration and/or to induce collapse in one or more lung regions. Pursuant to an exemplary procedure, an identified region of the lung is targeted for treatment. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to regulate airflow into and/or out of the targeted lung region through one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the targeted lung region.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Michael Barrett, Michael Hendricksen, Alan R. Rapacki, Ronald R. Hundertmark, Jeffrey J. Dolin, Robert M. George, Antony J. Fields, Mark E. Deem, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Ronald French, Douglas Sutton
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Patent number: 8454527Abstract: Minimally invasive methods, systems and devices are provided for qualitatively and quantitatively assessing collateral ventilation in the lungs. In particular, collateral ventilation of a target compartment within a lung of a patient is assessed by advancement of a catheter through the tracheobronchial tree to a feeding bronchus of the target compartment. The feeding bronchus is occluded by the catheter and a variety of measurements are taken with the use of the catheter in a manner which is of low risk to the patient. Examples of such measurements include but are not limited to flow rate, volume and pressure. These measurements are used to determine the presence of collateral ventilation and to quantify such collateral ventilation.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Nikolai Aljuri, Anthony Wondka, George Surjan, Kirk Davis, Peter Soltesz, Rodney C. Perkins
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Patent number: 8409168Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for performing lung volume reduction in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other conditions where isolation of a lung segment or reduction of lung volume is desired. The methods are minimally invasive with instruments being introduced through the mouth (endotracheally) and rely on isolating the target lung tissue segment from other regions of the lung and occluding various lung passageways with the use of occlusal stents. The occlusal stents are delivered with the use of an occlusal stent delivery system which is loaded with the occlusal stent with the use of an occlusal stent loading system.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Anthony Wondka, Peter P. Soltesz, Robert Kotmel, Nadia Matov, Thomas Crowder
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Patent number: 8388682Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for loading a bronchial flow control device into a container, such as into a delivery catheter. The assembly includes a funnel housing and a puller housing that mate with one another. The funnel housing defines a funnel-shaped loading cavity that receives a flow control device and that gradually reduces in size moving in a first direction. The puller housing is removably attached to the funnel housing and is also removably attachable to a bronchial flow control device that can be positioned in the loading cavity. The puller housing pulls the bronchial flow control device in the first direction through the funnel housing to gradually contract the bronchial flow control device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to the expanded size.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Michael J. Hendricksen, Michael Barrett
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Patent number: 8357139Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for performing pulmonary procedures, and in particular treating lung disease. A flow control element includes a valve that prevents airflow in the inhalation direction but permits airflow in the exhalation direction. The flow control element is guided to and positioned at the site by a bronchoscope that is introduced into the patient's trachea and used to view the lungs during delivery of the flow control element. The valve may include one, two or more valve elements, and it may be collapsible for easier delivery. A source of vacuum or suction may be used to increase the amount of fluid withdrawn from the lung tissue. A device for measuring hollow structures, such as bronchioles, and a device for removing a previously-placed flow control element are disclosed as well.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2008Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Mark E. Deem, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Ronald French, Douglas Sutton
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Patent number: 8342182Abstract: Lung conditions are diagnosed and optionally treated using a functional assessment catheter or a functional lung assessment and treatment catheter. A flow restrictive component is initially placed in a bronchus or lung passageway upstream from a diseased lung region. The isolated lung region is then functionally assessed through the catheter, while the flow restrictive component remains in place. If the patient is a good candidate for treatment by occlusive or restrictive treatment techniques, the flow resistive component may be left in place. If the patient is not suitable for such treatment, the flow resistive component may be removed.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Ajit Nair, Son Gia, Roger Farhnoltz, Nikolai Aljuri
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Patent number: 8251067Abstract: Disclosed is a flow control device for a bronchial passageway. The device can includes a valve member that regulates fluid flow through the flow control device, a frame coupled to the valve member, and a membrane attached to the frame. At least a portion of the flow control device forms a seal with the interior wall of the bronchial passageway when the flow control device is implanted in the bronchial passageway. The membrane forms a fluid pathway from the seal into the valve member to direct fluid flowing through the bronchial passageway into the valve member.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: Michael Hendricksen, Peter Wilson, Ronald Hundertmark, Antony J. Fields
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Patent number: 8206684Abstract: Disclosed is a method of regulating fluid flow for a targeted lung region. The method comprises injecting a therapeutic agent into the targeted lung region. The therapeutic agent induces a reaction in lung tissue of the targeted lung region or in a collateral pathway to the lung region to reduce collateral fluid flow into the targeted lung region. In one aspect, the method additionally comprises deploying a bronchial isolation device in the direct pathway to regulate fluid flow to the targeted lung region through the direct pathway. The therapeutic agent can comprise, for example, a sclerosing agent that induces a reaction that causes sclerosis in the lung tissue.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Pulmonx CorporationInventors: John McCutcheon, Antony J. Fields, David Peter Shaw
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Publication number: 20120149978Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for measuring the diameter of an airway in a human or animal subject are disclosed. The device comprises a flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end. Flexible sizing elements are disposed along and extend approximately orthogonally from the catheter body. The sizing elements have different heights from one another and are configured to fit through the working channel of a bronchoscope. Devices, systems, and methods for redirecting airflow through a lung airway are also disclosed. The method comprises introducing into the airway a catheter comprising a distal end, a proximal end and an elongated portion therebetween, wherein the distal end comprises an airway closing mechanism, and wherein the proximal end comprises an actuator to actuate the airway closing mechanism; and actuating the airway closing mechanism to at least partially close the airway.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: PULMONX CORPORATIONInventors: Ryan Olivera, Srikanth Radhakrishnan
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Publication number: 20120150027Abstract: A method of assessing a lung compartment of a patient may involve: advancing a diagnostic catheter into a lung airway leading to a first sub-compartment of the lung compartment; inflating an occluding member disposed on the diagnostic catheter to form a seal with a wall of the airway and thus isolate the first sub-compartment; introducing a diagnostic gas into the first sub-compartment; and recording a perfusion value of the diagnostic gas within the first sub-compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: PULMONX CORPORATIONInventors: Surag Mantri, Srikanth Radhakrishnan